Versatile instrumentation radars at 13.6, 25, and 37 GHz have been developed under the sponsorship of NASA. These radars are developed for precise measurements of cross-polarization parameters scattered from raindrops. Use of special self-calibration channel ensures scattering cross-section measurements with precision of 0.1 dB and phase measurements of a fraction of a degree.

Multifrequency observations allow rain drop-size distribution and the dual polarization (in both receiver and transmitter), allows drop shape estimation. These radars provide Doppler information and allow a variety of waveforms to be incorporated. It can be used to distinguish between rain and snow.

Primary use of this radar system is to calibrate satellite-borne rain measuring system. These radars are portable and can be mounted in the aircrafts. They provide coverage for over kms.

Besides the rain observations, several other applications involve: